SPF: Sunscreen paradox factor Dr. Wright has been warning us against using sunscreen for years. Now he's not the only one saying to say away from the stuff. A number of environmental groups are warning that some sunscreens contain submicroscopic particles that could be hazardous to your health, and they're demanding that those products be removed from store shelves. The groups are concerned about the lotions that contain nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide because they have the potential to trigger an inflammatory and immune response in the body. Eight groups (including the International Center for Technology Assessment, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace) are backing a petition asking for more regulatory oversight into sunscreens and other products produced using nanotechnology. But I have a better idea. Instead of pouring on a chemical concoction to reduce burning, follow Dr. Wright's advice: Limit your sun exposure, and relieve the stress placed on your skin by supplementing with folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin C, and antioxidants such as vitamin E.
The link to zinc
Q: I was wondering how much zinc I need and how important is it to my body? JVW: Zinc is an important part of maintaining optimum skin health and fighting infection. But since it's not always easy to get enough zinc in your diet, I recommend supplementing with 15 mg of zinc per day. (If you're planning on taking more, consult with a physician experienced in nutritional medicine before you do so.) Any time you supplement with zinc, you should offset it with a small quantity of copper (approximately 1 mg of copper for each 15 mg of zinc). If you supplement with zinc without adequate copper intake, you raise the risk of having heartbeat irregularities, and you can also raise your total cholesterol while lowering your good cholesterol.
What is...nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is science at the molecular or atomic level. It involves the manufacturing or manipulation of particles hundreds of times smaller than a single human hair. Nanoscale materials are generally less than 100 nanometers (or billionths of a meter) in diameter. In comparison, the diameter of a human hair is about 80,000 nanometers. The Food and Drug Administration is planning to meet this fall to discuss the use of nanotechnology materials in drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical devices. Sources: "Environmental Groups Want Nanotech Sunscreens Pulled From Market," Associated Press, 5/17/06 | 
